William Keyser Grooms died Sunday, April 22, 2018 at his home in White Plains, MD.

William was born in Friendly, MD, on December 11, 1937 to Katherine Miller Grooms and Samuel M. Grooms Sr. He grew up in Piscataway MD. After graduating from Oxon Hill High School in 1956, he became a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No.77 on June 17, 1960, and began extensive training to become an operating engineer. William became a Trustee from 1978-1981, Treasurer from 1981-1984, as well as from 1996-2002 and remained AFL-CIO Tri-County Committee on Public Education Chairman from 1974 - 2017.

As part of his commitment to his children’s catholic education, Bill supported the school by arranging for St Theresa’s Catholic Church lower level to be refurbished at no cost to the church. He also arranged and participated in the construction of the parking facility for the nuns of St. Theresa’s

Later William became a member of the Accokeek/Bryan’s Road Lion’s Club. He held the title of President and Treasurer at various times. He was also presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, for his dedicated humanitarian Services.

William’s involvement in politics brought him many achievements. He was presented the Governor’s citation for his unwavering support and impressive commitment to furthering the democratic process in Charles County and the State of Maryland and was recognized by Congressman Roy Dyson as an outstanding citizen of Maryland in 1982

William was predeceased by his daughter, Katherine Keyser Grooms Bard, who passed away June 28, 2013, Sister Nancy Robey and brothers Samuel M. Grooms Jr and John E. Grooms.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Lovejoy DePalma Grooms, Brother, Richard Grooms (Cheryl). Children Kathleen DePalma Stewart (Jimmy) of Edgewater, MD and Lewis Anthony DePalma (Maria Victoria) of Lancaster TX, and their children, Michael Stewart, Children of Katherine Grooms - Stephen Bard, Gavreil Grooms Powell, Christopher DePalma (Kristy), Cornell DePalma, Dakota DePalma; great-grandchildren, Lincoln DePalma. Sawyer DePalma. Anthony DePalma and Shelby DePalma.

Relatives and friends are invited to William's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 10:30 am at the St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Ave., Suitland, MD 20746

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